A Day on the Water

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A Day on the Water

Day six; zooming around on a jet ski and in a power boat

Australian's are such water creatures. Whenever they've got a spare moment they're either surfing, stand up paddle boarding (which I've already stated is the perfect way to start the day) or swimming. After this afternoon's activities you can also add jet skiing to that list.

I spent a couple of hours on the backwaters of the Gold Coast with Jet Ski Safaris. Located at Mariners Cove off Main Beach, they've got a lovely little set up. A family run business, Kurt Mitchell is the main man behind wheel (though I'm sure his wife would argue that point). Jet Ski Safaris have been around for over 12 years and each year they let loose 5,000-10,000 tourists on the backwaters for pure, unadulterated fun.

If you're looking for a full on adrenaline rush at 70+ kph on water then this is the only activity you need to know about.

After a safety briefing, we had to do one or two manoeuvers on the water to prove we could drive the jet skis. As they have no brakes, the only thing you need to concentrate on is how fast you can go while keeping an eye out on other boats. That's pretty much it. The rest of the time you can concentrate on having an amazing time, though that comes easy enough.

One of the greatest things about jet skiing is you can do it with no experience and with no licence; Kurt was saying that at least half of his customers have never been jet skiing before.

Ryan, Kurt's younger brother, took us on a 40km safari along South Stradbroke Island. On the way back we were hitting the wake of waves so fast that we were flying through the air. You really can cut loose on these things and I can't stress how much fun it was. Honestly, if you're backpacking and travelling through the area then you should check these guys out.

Just around the corner from Jet Ski Safaris is Paradise Jet Boating. If you don't think you can handle a powerful beast between your legs then you'll want to know about Paradise Jet Boating.

Not everyone wants the responsibility of going 70+ kph. That's when they hand the reigns over to someone else, and that's what jet boating is all about. Essentially, you strap yourself in and let someone else go for it.

I went jet boating this afternoon and it's a water ride like nothing else. They say at the start that you're going to get wet and boy do they mean it. With doughnuts, riding huge waves and smashing it around corners, getting wet is inevitable and it makes the experience all the more enjoyable. After an hour on the water we returned back as drenched as drowned rats and everyone had a grin on their face from ear to ear.

If you're on the Gold Coast then make sure you spare a day on the water; there's so much fun to be had...

Don't forget you can follow for live up-to-date coverage from the Gold Coast by following @gapyeardotcom and @maccathegapper on Twitter and Instagram.